Dublin Airport Warns Passengers of Delays Due to Ongoing Fuel Protests

Protests over high fuel prices in Ireland are now in their fourth day. Even with the army called in on Thursday to help remove vehicles blocking the roads, travel in parts of the country has come to an essential halt.

The protests are over the rising price of oil, tied to the conflict in the Middle East. The conflict and its aftereffects have pushed diesel prices in Ireland above €2.30 per liter, an all-time high. Protesters are targeting roads that lead to five sites in cities like Cork, Limerick, and Galway. Fuels for Ireland stated this week that over 100 service stations have already run out of fuel.

The protests have also impacted  travel. According to the BBC, people have been seen walking their luggage along Dublin’s M50 road, which leads to Dublin Airport, as vehicles stalled traffic along the highway this week.

The country’s two major bus links, Bus Éireann and Citylink, have also issued alerts. Some passengers traveling from Belfast to Dublin Airport reported journeys taking upwards of five hours—normally a two-hour trip—this week, leading to missed flights. That’s driven travelers to Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), which seen a surge in bookings as travelers look for alternatives.

Dublin Airport, which just reported record passenger numbers, is telling passengers to allow for extra time to get to the airport. There is no direct train or rail link to Dublin Airport. To reach the airport from the city center via public transport, travelers have to use the city’s bus system.

And, while roads immediately around the airport are clear, the airport warned this does not account for the M50, which is the main artery for passengers.

“Passengers travelling to/from Dublin Airport this morning are advised to allow extra time for their journey,” the airport said in a Friday alert. “Passengers should use live traffic or transport apps to identify their quickest and best route.”

Roads in Dublin’s city center, including around O’Connell Street, were also closed this week, with a shutdown extended along the north and south quays of Dublin’s Liffey, and to Westmoreland Street and O’Connell Bridge.

There could be a resolution soon. The Irish Defence Forces have deployed four heavy-lift recovery trucks to physically tow large HGVs and tractors that are part of the protests and are obstructing critical infrastructure. Protests